Data for NY indicates success of Great American Smokeout

Between 2000 and 2012, the smoking rate for middle school students declined by nearly 70 percent and the rate for high school students declined by 56 percent.

Julie Sherwood

Previewing Thursday's national Great American Smokeout, Penny L. Gugino, director of Tobacco Action Coalition of the Finger Lakes, released statistics urging smokers to quit. Statistics also indicate the annual event is effective in reducing tobacco use.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in New York state, according to the Tobacco Action Coalition release. "Quitting smoking is the single most important step you can take to reduce your risk of cancer."

More than 25,000 New Yorkers die prematurely every year due to tobacco use; exposure to secondhand smoke kills an additional 2,500 people.

"At any time, more than half a million New Yorkers are suffering with serious diseases caused by smoking."

According to the release, the New York State Tobacco Control Program has reduced tobacco use, saved lives, and saved money. The state began its comprehensive state tobacco control program in 2000 with funding from the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) and revenue from cigarette taxes. Since then, New York has experienced significant drops in smoking rates for both adults and teens, not experienced by other parts of the U.S., according to the release.

For example, between 2000 and 2012, the smoking rate for middle school students declined by nearly 70 percent, from 10.2 percent to 3.1 percent. The smoking rate for high school students declined by 56 percent, from 27.1 percent to 11.9 percent. The national smoking rate for teens is 18.1 percent.

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